How to use the Helm Chart Generator
- Enter the chart name, versions, image repository, container port and replicas.
- Tick what the chart should include: Ingress with TLS, autoscaling, a ConfigMap for environment variables, probes and secure pod settings.
- Set the ingress host, health path and resource requests and limits — they become defaults in
values.yaml. - Browse the files, download the ZIP, then run
helm lintandhelm install.
What’s in the chart
| File | Purpose |
|---|---|
Chart.yaml | Name, chart version (bump it on every change) and app version (the image tag by default) |
values.yaml | Every setting users can override with --set or -f my-values.yaml |
templates/_helpers.tpl | Shared name and label helpers, so every object uses the same selector labels |
templates/*.yaml | Deployment, Service, Ingress, ConfigMap and HPA, each switched on or off from values |
templates/NOTES.txt | Printed after install: how to reach the app |
The Deployment carries a checksum of the ConfigMap, so pods restart automatically when environment values change. Override per environment with separate values files: helm upgrade --install app ./chart -f values-prod.yaml. For plain manifests without Helm, use the Kubernetes YAML Generator.
Also searched as: create helm chart, helm chart template, helm values.yaml example, helm chart example, helm deployment template, kubernetes helm chart, helm create chart online.
Tools that pair well with the Helm Chart Generator
- Docker Compose Generator — Tick the services you need — app, database, cache, admin UI, mail catcher — and get a clean compose.yaml with pinned images, named volumes, healthchecks and depends_on conditions, plus a matching .env with generated passwords.
- Dockerfile Generator — Choose your stack and get a production-ready Dockerfile: multi-stage build, cached dependency layer, non-root user, health check and a matching .dockerignore — explained line by line.
- GitLab CI Generator — Pick your stack and get a working .gitlab-ci.yml: install with caching, lint and test jobs, a build with artifacts, a Docker image pushed to the GitLab registry, or a GitLab Pages deploy — with rules that run pipelines for merge requests and your default branch without duplicates.
- YAML Validator — Paste a Docker Compose file, Kubernetes manifest, GitHub Actions workflow or any YAML to pinpoint errors, catch common pitfalls and get a cleanly formatted version.
Frequently asked questions
How do I create a Helm chart?
Fill in your app details here and download the chart, or run helm create NAME and edit it. Either way you get Chart.yaml, values.yaml and templates you can install with helm install.
What is the difference between version and appVersion?
version is the chart’s own version and must change whenever the chart changes. appVersion is the version of your app — this chart uses it as the default image tag.
How do I set different values per environment?
Keep values.yaml as the defaults and create values-staging.yaml and values-prod.yaml with only the differences, then pass one with -f when you install or upgrade.
How do I check the chart before installing?
Run helm lint ./chart for mistakes and helm template release ./chart to see the exact YAML Kubernetes will get.
Can I install Helm Chart Generator as a web app and use it offline?
Yes. Helm Chart Generator is an installable web app (PWA) — installed from your browser, not downloaded from an app store. Click Install app at the top of this page in Chrome or Edge (Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS) or on Android, use Share → Add to Home Screen on iPhone and iPad, or File → Add to Dock in Safari 17+ on a Mac. It then opens in its own window with its own icon, and because it runs entirely in your browser it keeps working offline. Firefox on desktop can’t install web apps. How installing works.